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Author
Topic: life's not a washing machine (Read 2822 times)

First of all I want to thank you and and your collegues for this fantastic site!

When I found out I was diagnosed HIV positive I was devastated. I thought: 'This is the end of me, I've lost everything, will I see my children grow up?'My doctor (who is treating hiv patients for a very long time) said that of course finding out is really traumatic for many people but he also said that I need to see this infection in the right perspective.

He told me that as long as I am dedicated to treatment and as long as I am adherent to medication (when I need them) the chance of getting aids is almost zero. Of course being HIV positive is a really serious condition, but in the developed world it's not like as it was in the eighties and people still recall images of that era which isn't the image of HIV today (in the western world). So i asked him: 'Can i expect to become an old man?' He answered: 'Well you're of course not a washing machine so I won't give guarantees. But I really expect you to see your little toddlers graduate and to start families of their own as long as you live a normal and regular life. And please go on with the things you've planned for the future and keep on saving money for retirement'

Well I'm a regular 38 year old guy. Still feel physically great, I don't drink, hardly smoke, no drugs and I have a good income as a self employed entrepeneur.

How do you regard my docs words. Is he realistic you think?

Thank you very, very much!

Dutch guy

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Answer====Dear Dutch guy,

Thanks for your post and nice words.

If you read my other replies on the Forum, you'll know that I'm in agreement with your doctor.

Assuming that a few things go right and that your willing to take medications when they're needed, there's no reason to think that you won't live to be an old man. In this vein, I also recommend that my patients (especially those recently diagnosed) continue to plan and save for retirement.

I remember when I tested positive, my daughter was just about to turn five. Now she's 22 (lives in Washington), I have two grandchildren (3-year old grandson, whose birthday was today; six year old granddaughter, who both live nearby). I feel blessed considering when I first tested poz and went on meds, I had to make out a will!

Logged

I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

If ever there was a time I am glad I became pos, I am glad it is now, in the day of multiple classes of drugs, once a day dosing etc. I still have aids, but at least now the prognosis is better than it was 25 years ago.

Well, personally I'm very optimistic about HIV treatment since last year. But in the back of my mind I still recall the wild promises in '96 about PI's that did NOT pan out for me so I somewhat refuse to believe anything for another 3 years.

The likelihood of someone in generally good health being diagnosed nowadays (or recently) is pretty strong that they will live a long life - However there is a big difference between reaching an advance age with complications from HIV and its treatments and not.

I don't fear an early death - I fear a prolonged life of great health complications.

Its a shame in some ways that we aren't washing machines - because it would be a lot easier to just replace the parts that get worn out from the virus and treatments if we were. Alas - the doctor is right - we are not washing machines.

I remember when I tested positive, my daughter was just about to turn five. Now she's 22 (lives in Washington), I have two grandchildren (3-year old grandson, whose birthday was today; six year old granddaughter, who both live nearby). I feel blessed considering when I first tested poz and went on meds, I had to make out a will!

I just want to make a comment here. That I think this is a powerful, encouraging account for all and especially those newly diagnosed who are wondering about their future. I know HIV+ changes ones life. Plans change. The future can seem confusing in those first few years, especially. The Spin Cycle. I am very aware that not all are so fortunate--for reasons that allude even the most dedicated specialist--but nontheless, this is a testament to what an individual can experience in those years ahead. She has grandkids! Isn't that fantastic? I surely feel it.salut,Mike